A 24-hour strike involving Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in Home Support in Donegal, set for tomorrow has been suspended after progress was made between HSE and SIPTU representatives regarding key dispute issues.
SIPTU Organiser, Graham Macken, said: “The progress we have made following the public announcement of planned industrial action follows years of unresolved issues regarding underpayments, rostering. and working conditions.
“Strikes remain scheduled for next week in the North-West, Mid-West and South regions pending the outcome of talks scheduled to take place tomorrow between SIPTU and the HSE. SIPTU members, employed by the HSE Home Support Service, have accused their employer of violating national agreements on terms and conditions.
“Workers have spoken of severe burnout due to excessive split shifts and inadequate breaks, which SIPTU representatives say constitute clear breaches of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.”
He added: “This failure has become a detriment to the HCAs and the clients they care for and has negatively impacted services.”
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Liz Cloherty, said: “Tomorrow’s strike action has been suspended to allow for further intensive talks aimed at reaching an agreement on all outstanding matters for our members, who provide an invaluable service in their communities, which must be respected and recognised.
“Action is still planned to go ahead next week on February 17, 19t and 20. However, we hope the HSE will honour its commitments to our members and avoid the need for industrial action.”
